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The baby boom continues as a critically endangered monkey is born at Drusillas as part of the European breeding programme. The Sulawesi black crested macaque was delivered on Tuesday 25th October and staff are delighted with the new arrival.

Black crested macaques are native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi where they are now regarded as critically endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). In the last 40 years it is estimated that the population has been reduced by more than 80% due to habitat loss and hunting pressure and they now face the very real threat of extinction in the wild.

These large impressive monkeys have just one baby at a time, born with a pink face which darkens with age. So far the baby bundle, thought to be male, is thriving alongside parents Kendari and Moteck. He will remain very dependent for the next four to five months, clinging to his mother who will nurse him for at least a year.

Kendari and Moteck were introduced at Drusillas in 2010, after being re-homed respectively from Chester Zoo and Monkey Park in Israel. The new arrival is the couple’s first baby together and hopefully will be one of many more to come.

Breeding programmes such as the one at Drusillas Park operate throughout the zoo community, in conjunction with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. By cooperating in this way, animal collections hope to safeguard the existence of many animal species in order to secure their future survival.

Zoo Manager, Sue Woodgate commented: “It is wonderful to see the new addition to our macaque family. He is showing a lot of interest in his surroundings and being doted on by his cousin Kamala who was born at Drusillas in 2010. We are expecting a lot of monkeying around from these two over the coming months.”

Over 500 guests enjoyed a magical evening at the zoo at the beginning of June as Drusillas Park hosted their first ever Dreamnight, exclusively for chronically ill and disabled children in the region to enjoy with their families.

Dreamnight is a charity event which takes place around the world on the first Friday of June. Each zoo organises the evening in their own way but in all cases the children are welcomed as VIPs.

The Park was decorated with contributions from Newhaven Balloonatic and Rare Displays and Tansleys of Seaford provided a souvenir programme for each guest. Each child also received a gift, supported by a large number of generous donations.

Drusillas Park’s Managing Director Laurence Smith commented: “We are delighted to be able to provide this opportunity for children who may not otherwise be able to visit the zoo during our usual opening hours.”

“Everyone has volunteered their time and services to bring about this special evening. We have also had a great deal of support from local businesses, suppliers and other individuals for which we are incredibly grateful.”

As the nation counts down to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, two tiny tamarins from Drusillas Park’s animal kingdom also have good reason to rejoice, after their own royal romance produced a new heir.

Lucy and Tiny Tim are emperor tamarins. They were introduced at the zoo in 2005 and since then these mini monkeys have made a huge impression on each other, celebrating the arrival of their fourth baby on 3rd February.

These regal monkeys are a threatened species, native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They take their name from the 19th Century Emperor, Wilhelm II of Germany, who they are said to resemble on account of their distinctive moustaches.

The fan-tash-tic pair were brought together as part of a European breeding programme created to help ensure the survival of the species in the future. Thankfully, Cupid’s arrow proved right on target and the couple hit it off straight away.

Zoo Manager, Sue Woodgate commented: “It is wonderful to see how settled together this lovely pair of tamarins are with their family. The baby is now becoming more independent and can often be seen playing with his older siblings. He is proving to be a very cheeky monkey.”

The latest addition to the tamarin empire is the jewel in the crown; a perfect furry-tail ending to a right royal romance.

Zoo Manager, Sue Woodgate commented: “It is fantastic to see all these tiny monkeys at the Park. It is really important that the brothers and sisters play a part in rearing the new babies, as it gives them the experience needed to become parents themselves in later life.”